Camera Gear Review News

This is another solid Tamron Di III lens option.

The affordable Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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You are going to like this lens.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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This lens is an impressive performer and a member of my personal kit. Here are some comparisons:

Here is a Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R resolution and sharpness comparison.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens? No contest.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens? Again, the F1.2 lens takes the wide open win. The price difference? No contest.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens at f/1.4? The Sigma lens puts up a good fight in the center of the frame, but the Canon lens rules the mid and peripheral areas of the frame.

What is your guess for the outcome of the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens vs. Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 Lens matchup at f/1.4? I'll give the Canon lens the win in the center of the frame and the periphery appears to be a draw. The price difference combined with the AF difference? No contest for most.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens is in stock at Amazon USA and WEX, and available for order at B&H and Adorama.

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Need a small, light telephoto zoom lens? Oh, and inexpensive? This one might have your name on it.

Check out the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens and Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens comparison (note that I'm fixing the Tamron 200mm f/5.6 top crop that is shifted).

This lens has a $50.00 instant savings available. The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H (with free B+W filter and Zeiss cleaning kit) | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Did Tamron create a miraculous superzoom? That answer is coming in the full review. In the meantime, create some comparisons, starting with the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens compared to Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens. Be sure to view the long end comparison.

The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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This is a solid performing lens. The primary comparison I wanted to see was this one:

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens vs. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens

Why are the center details rendered smaller by the Sigma lens? Strong pincushion distortion is the cause. When you see the price difference, you will lose at least most of that concern.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Aside from additional product images coming as soon as I can source the lens hood, this review is completed. Here is the comparison of most interest (visualize the modest resolution difference):

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Order the very affordable Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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It is compact, it is light, and it is inexpensive. How does RF 50 F1.8 perform?

Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from Lensrentals.

This lens is popular and backordered everywhere.

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA| WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

Rent the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

I think you will be impressed with these results. This tiny, affordable lens is a good performer.

Initially, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens is only available in a kit with the Sony a7C. This kit is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Eventually, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens will be individually available. B&H says preorders start Feb 15th. Adorama and Amazon USA are not saying. WEX is taking preorders.

Let's look at the a7C vs. a7 III differences, starting with some visual comparisons.

• Headlining the a7C advantage list is a considerably smaller size. Essentially, slice the a7 III off at the top plate, and you get the a7C. Additionally, the a7C's lighter weight is welcomed:
  • 4.88 x 2.80 x 2.35" vs. 5.0 x 3.9 x 3.0"
  • 124.0 x 71.1 x 59.7mm vs. 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm
  • The a7C's grip is considerably smaller with a finer-textured grip surface.
  • CIPA Weight: 18.0 vs. 23.0 oz (509 vs. 650g)
• The EVF included on this little camera is a very positive feature, but directly impacted by the camera's reduced size is the a7C's viewfinder size. While both cameras feature approximately 2.35 megadot XGA OLED viewfinders with 100% coverage, there are significant differences:
  • Size: 0.39 vs. 0.50" (1.0 vs. 1.3cm) (little vs. huge)
  • Magnification: Approx. 0.59x vs. 0.78x
  • Eyepoint: Approx. 20mm vs. 23mm
  • The a7C has a minimalistic eyecup.
• Notably improved is the a7C's AF system, now including support for Real-time Tracking and Eye AF (human) while recording video.
• The a7C has no joystick. While some will find the "joy" missing, the touch and drag AF feature works well.
• The a7C has no front dial.
• The a7C has an increased buffer size (115 vs. 40 RAW).
• The a7C lacks the light flicker avoidance feature.
• The a7C has a working range down to EV -4 vs. EV -3.
• The a7C's max shutter speed is 1/4000 vs. 1/8000.
• The a7C can X-Sync at 1/160 vs. 1/250 sec.
• The a7C does not have first-curtain mechanical shutter available.
• The a7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor (necessary for self-recording) vs. tilt.
• The a7C has a movie button on the top where it is easier to reach from the front vs. the back-positioned button.
• Battery Life: approx. 680 vs. 610 shots (Viewfinder, CIPA)
• The a7C has upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilization and shutter units.
• The a7C has one custom button vs. 4.
• The a7C has 3 custom modes vs. 2.
• The a7C has a silver shutter release button *with a click* vs. black with no haptic feedback.
• The a7C features wireless support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands vs. 2.4Ghz.
• "A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings." [Sony]
• Vertical video support has been added.
• Single SD memory card slot vs. dual.
• Memory cards are more challenging to insert into and remove from the a7C.
• The a7C arrives with a $100.00 lower list price, but the 2-year-older a7 III's street price is $100.00 lower than the a7C's — a difference not likely to be found differentiating to most.

The Sony a7 III is a very popular camera, and those already familiar with it now have a very good understanding of the a7C.
 
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Sony a7C
 
Order the Sony a7C at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony a7C from Lensrentals.

This tiny, affordable lens is a good performer.

Initially, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens is only available in a kit with the Sony a7C. This kit is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Eventually, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens will be individually available. B&H says preorders start Feb 15th. Adorama is not saying. Amazon USA is taking preorders now with Feb 1st listed as the release date. WEX is taking preorders.

While both of these lenses are considerably smaller than their EF counterparts, the RF f/4 lens is considerably smaller (and lighter) than the RF f/2.8 version. Most of us prefer the smaller and lighter (and less expensive) aspects of f/4, the f/2.8 aperture's ability to transmit twice as much light to the imaging sensor and create a stronger background blur should not be overlooked.

Here are the specifications: Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Comparison.

Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

• Charge battery
• Download and install Capture One (for Sony) and/or Sony Imaging Edge (unless your current favorite RAW image processing software supports this camera)
• Insert charged battery and power on the camera
• Set the timezone, date, time, timeformat
• insert memory card (don't forget to format it)
• Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: Quality: RAW
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: RAW File Type: Uncompressed (unless taking advantage of the about-50% smaller RAW file size)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Long Exposure NR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Lens Comp.: All Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 3: Bracket Settings: ->0>+ (makes selecting images for HDR processing easier)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Focus Area: Flexible Spot: S
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Swt. V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Face/Eye AF Set.: Face Dtct Frame Disp: On
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 8: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 11: DRO/Auto HDR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 11: Creative Style: Neutral, Sharpness = 1 (This provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Lens: Disable
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 7: Grid Line: Rule of 3rds Grid
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 10: Audio signals: Off (How to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
• Playback Menu, Tab 3: Display Rotation: Off (use full LCD for image review)
• Setup Menu, Tab 1: Delete confirm: "Delete" first
• Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad: Touch Panel+Pad
• Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad Settings: Touch Pos. Mode: Relative Position; Operation Area: Whole Screen
• Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: {name}, Set Copyright: {name}
• My Menu: Format; Silent Shooting; SteadyShot; Face/Eye AF Set; Live View Display

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
 
To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot - including in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
 
If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to set it up quickly.
 
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Sony a7C
 
Order the Sony a7C at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony a7C from Lensrentals.

This lens is going to be very popular.

I still need to create the standard product images for this lens. Expect them up as soon as I can get the hood.

Get in line now! The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA (in stock at premium price)| WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

Rent the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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The mockup image shared with this post shows the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS next to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. Like its sibling, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, the F4 lens has a retracting design, enabling it to have a significantly more compact size. The RF F4 will be much easier to include in the case than the EF variant. Also like the RF F2.8 lens, the RF F4 lens is not compatible with Canon RF Extenders. Unlike the RF F2.8 lens, a tripod mount ring is not available. Expect overall performance of the RF 70-200 F4 to be impressive – Canon told us to expect extremely high image quality. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 11th.

Here is the specifications comparison between those lenses:

Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens compared to Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Below is the RF 50mm F1.8 STM compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.

Not much changed from a size standpoint (without an adapter factored in), but the RF 50 utilizes a new optical design. Note that this STM AF system will not be completely silent, similar to other RF STM AF systems such as that in the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 4th.

Here is the specifications comparison between these two lenses:

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens compared to Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Orders

Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Order the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

This lens is a great value. I'll get your comparisons started:

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens compared to Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is coming soon to B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Let's start by looking at the name. Obvious is that the RF lens has a considerably longer focal length range. The 400mm vs. 500mm difference is illustrated in the RF 100-500mm Lens review. The 500mm focal length is very noticeably longer than the 400mm focal length, and I can think of no reason to not prefer the longer range. That is, no reason as long as the maximum aperture remains similar at 400mm.

We know from the name that the RF 100-500's max aperture is narrower at the 500mm end, and the unusually narrow to-f/7.1 spec gives us pause. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system in Canon's R-series cameras autofocus lenses with narrow apertures very adequately, making very narrow openings quite usable, but we still want to know if the aperture opening size was being sacrificed at the 400mm focal length to keep this lens compact and light.

What is the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens's maximum aperture opening at 400mm? The early answers were:

Answer 1: When the camera is set to 1/3-stop increments, the maximum 400mm aperture reported to the camera is rounded to f/6.3.

Answer 2: When the camera is set to 1/2-stop increments, the maximum 400mm aperture reported to the camera is rounded to f/5.6.

While the max aperture does not change in these modes, the rounding of the actual opening size does, and the true aperture is likely between these two numbers, holds for only a short range of focal lengths, and the 1/3-stop difference in noise made visible by an offsetting 1/3-stop ISO change will matter to few. For the RF lens, Adobe software says that 400mm is f/6.2 (and that 500mm is 7.0).

Here is a comparative look at the max aperture step-down by focal length for these two lenses:

While the RF 100-500 holds f/4.5 modestly deeper into the focal length range, the EF 100-400 L II holds a modest advantage at the longer focal lengths. Still, the differences are minor.

Back to the focal length range available: both lenses accept extenders, enabling the native focal length range to be significantly lengthened. Noteworthy is that the RF lens will not zoom wider than the marked 300mm native focal length while an extender is mounted. Extenders are primarily used for obtaining a focal length not native to the lens, meaning the 300mm wide end limitation is not important. The RF 100-500 better avoids the need for extender use, but being able to zoom out is sometimes helpful when an extender is mounted, such as when finding a subject in the viewfinder, and being able to fully zoom out makes the lens significantly more compact. Very noticeable is that the 100-500 range can be extended substantially longer than the 100-400mm range, up to 1000mm vs. 800mm. The max aperture of 500mm with extenders becomes rather narrow, though as we just looked at, the difference at the equalized 400mm focal length is minor.

Let's look at the image quality comparison next. The RF lens has less lateral CA in the periphery at 100mm and might be slightly sharper at this focal length at f/4.5. That is the only even somewhat noteworthy difference I see in the shared focal length range. Comparing the image quality from these two lenses at f/8 will hurt your eyes.

Of high interest to many of us is the RF 100-500mm lens at 500mm vs. EF 100-400mm with 1.4x at 560mm comparison. In this comparison, the RF lens is sharper, especially in the center of the frame. The EF lens leapfrogs the RF lens focal length, but the RF lens has a wider aperture. Mount 1.4x extenders behind both lenses and the EF lens appears to hold a very slight edge. Keep in mind that the comparison is now 700mm f/10 vs. 560mm f/8, not especially apples-to-apples. I'm not a fan of the 2x extender behind either of these lenses, but they perform very similarly in the 1000mm vs. 800mm comparison.

The RF lens shows fewer flare effects in our testing (having one less lens element is likely advantageous) and has modestly more peripheral shading with a wide-open aperture at 100 and 200mm.

Looking at specs and measurements, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens vs. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens comparison shows the RF lens slightly longer and noticeably lighter.

As illustrated in the image included with this article, today's length equation is:

EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm L IS Lens = Canon EOS 5Ds R + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II Lens

The EOS R5's extended viewfinder rises modestly higher than the 5Ds R's viewfinder, but this increase is advantageous in use.

Let's change the RF vs. EF equation to weights:

In ounces: (26.0 + 48.2) - (32.8 + 56.1) = 74.2 - 88.9 = -14.7 oz

In grams: (738 + 1,365) - (930 + 1,590) = 2,103 - 2,520 = -417g

Overall, the RF lens and R camera combination gives us an additional 100mm of focal length range in a similar-sized package that weighs nearly a pound (over .4 kg) less. Primarily, this line summarizes the significant differences between these lenses.

The RF lens has a control ring, providing additional functionality. The EF lens requires a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R to mount on an R-series camera, and an adapter with a control ring is available to equalize this difference. With the RF lens control ring positioned where the EF lens's switches are located, the RF lens switches required a move and are now located between the zoom torque adjustment ring and the focus ring. The RF lens focus ring and zoom rings are modestly smaller in length, and the focus distance window is omitted on RF lenses.

The EF lens tripod foot is removable (and has a lower profile), while the RF lens's entire tripod ring is removable. I prefer the RF design for stability.

The RF lens has a slightly higher maximum magnification (0.33x vs. 0.31x), but both lenses have a great capability in this regard. The RF lens's image stabilization system is rated at 5-stops vs. the EF lens's 4-stop rating.

The RF lens paint color is whiter (the new white) than the EF lens's color, and RF lens hood is primarily white, while the EF lens hood is black. The RF lens zoom torque adjustment ring is now fully ribbed, and the RF lens barrel holds a more constant diameter over its length. Both lenses are well-built and fast-focusing.

The RF lens costs more, but neither lens is inexpensive. If paying this much, the difference is relatively small. Factor in the cost for an adapter for the EF lens to mount on an R-series camera, and the net difference is even less.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Reviews
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

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Simply outstanding lens.

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

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This lens is an outstanding performer — and very fun to use.

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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While there, sign up for a free Wild and Exposed podcast subscription, featuring "Tales from the Wilderness".

When speed is important, this drive is a great option.

Order the LaCie 1big Dock SSD Pro from B&H | Adorama | Amazon

You are going to like this lens. Here is the comparison many of us were waiting for:

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens vs. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Be sure to compare the other focal lengths, including those with extenders included.

I'm currently in Rocky Mountain National Park with this lens and some other incredible gear. I'll create a detailed RF 100-500 vs. EF 100-400 II comparison, likely after I return.

Supply seems to be catching up with the initial orders for this lens. The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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The image shared with this article shows the following setup, from right to left, then down:

• Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens
• Canon EF 2x III Extender
• modified Vello Auto Lens Adapter
• Canon RF 2x Extender
• Canon EOS R5 with BG-R10 Battery Grip
• Wimberley Lens Replacement Foot
• Wimberley WH-200-S Sidemount Head
• Robus RC-8860 Vantage Carbon Fiber Tripod

Doing the math:

600mm x 2 x 2 = 2400mm

That is an impressive focal length.

I originally inserted a Canon EF 12mm Extension Tube II behind the EF 2x, enabling a Canon EF 1.4x III Extender to be added to the optical path. That addition would have resulted in an awesome 3360mm lens, but the extension tube broke the electronic connection required for this lens to focus, even manually. The resulting combination was useless, aside from looking amazing.

Back to the 2400mm setup. The second equation this combination creates is considerably less exciting:

F/4 - 2 stops - 2 stops = f/16

The first equation results in an incredible number that is offset to some extent by the result of the second equation. Remarkable is that the EOS R5 focuses this combination very quickly in good light, avoiding focus hunting if the subject is not too significantly out of focus. Keeping a 2400mm lens still enough for sharp images remains a challenge, and with two 2x extenders in the optical path, this rig is not too sharp. Here is a 100% crop processed from a RAW image in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) using the Standard Picture Style with Sharpness = "1" (0-10 scale).

On the fun side of the equation, the awkwardly-shaped 92.7% waning moon nearly fills the 2400mm frame. At this magnification, the thermal irregularities in Earth's atmosphere are apparent even in the viewfinder. And, the moon has to be tracked continuously to keep it centered in the frame (after the challenge of finding it in the frame has been met).

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Like this lens at retailers, the lab test results are "Coming Soon". Some comparisons will be added at that time. I'm headed into the field with this lens and don't want to wait until I return to share the extensive information already available for this very impressive model.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm L IS Lens = Canon EOS 5Ds R + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II Lens

The EOS R5's extended viewfinder rises modestly higher than the 5Ds R's viewfinder, but this increase is advantageous in use.

Let's change the RF vs. EF equation to weights:

In ounces: (26.0 + 48.2) - (32.8 + 56.1) = 74.2 - 88.9 = -14.7 oz

In grams: (738 + 1,365) - (930 + 1,590) = 2,103 - 2,520 = -417g

Overall, the RF lens and R camera combination gives us an additional 100mm of focal length range in a similar-sized package that weighs nearly a pound (over .4 kg) less.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Reviews
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS 5Ds R

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My Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is officially for sale. Update: has been sold.

Get in line ASAP — order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Why is this a bestselling lens? Read this review to find out.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Canon RF 1.4x Extender Review.

Canon RF 2x Extender Review.

I plan to update these reviews when higher-performing compatible RF lens models become available.

The Canon RF 1.4x Extender is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

The Canon RF 2x Extender is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 1.4x Extender and Canon RF 2x Extender from Lensrentals.

The RF 800 is very similar to the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens and the reviews, completed simultaneously, will also read similarly, each tuned to the specific lens. I plan to circle back with some comparisons, but choose between these two lenses based on the focal length that works best for you.

The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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I plan to have the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens Review completed later this week.

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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In a recent article, I answered the question, "Can Canon RF Extenders be used with the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter?"

That answer was "No."

The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R (basic and control ring versions) has no optics. It simply moves the EF mount forward, offsetting the short back focus design of the RF mount, and provides the communication connections required for the lens to function as native. Hoped for was that the open space in the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R would permit an RF extender to fit into the back of it, ideally making all EF and EF-S lenses extender compatible. Unfortunately, the Canon RF extenders do not fit into the Canon mount adapter.

However, the baffle physically preventing this installation appears to be plastic, and plastic is easily modifiable. I couldn't spare a Canon adapter for this mod (they are unavailable as I write this), but after studying the Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera product images, I suspected the relatively large inside diameter of this adapter could more easily be modified to permit fitting of the Canon RF 1.4x Extender and Canon RF 2x Extender. B&H was up for this challenge and sent me an adapter to potentially destroy.

Not surprising was that the RF extenders do not fit into the back of the Vello adapter out of the box. Thus, some modification was necessary. Basically, the plastic on the raised interior section housing the communication pins needed to be removed down almost to the wires. To protect the adapter and to keep it clean, I gaffer taped everything I didn't want to remove — most of the adapter. Next, a rotary tool (I substituted a drill) with a small abrasive sanding cylinder was used to remove the plastic. A rounded file could also be used.

After removal of enough plastic for the extenders to fit (this took two tries for my first attempt), the adapter was cleaned and mounted. Being able to mount the extender behind the adapter was the first test to pass. Having the extender function properly in conjunction with EF lenses was the bigger question in my mind. Fortunately, the modified adapter passed that test also.

How good is the image quality? We haven't lab tested the modified adapter and more testing needs to be done, but this combo seems to deliver very good quality images with a high quality lens in front of it. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens seemed to perform especially well with the image periphery perhaps becoming slightly softer. Here is a 100% crop from a Canon EOS R5 image processed from RAW in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) using the Standard Picture Style with sharpness set to "1" (0-10 scale).

Note that this setup does not report the reduced aperture and increased focal length to the camera, but the camera continues to work normally.

The adapter modification was not hard to make. Buy a Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera and follow the steps shared above. I suspect that the greater good of this project was testing the concept. Watch for commercially available adapters designed to fit on a Canon RF extender in your favorite store soon.

Here is the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens compared to the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens.

We have not tested the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens on the Canon EOS 5Ds R, so some discernment is required in the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens vs. the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens comparison.

Keep in mind that results from a lower resolution camera such as the Canon EOS R6 will show less sharpness degradation from diffraction.

The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Here is a list of the available (or announced) RF lenses in priority^* order.

1. Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
2. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
3. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
4. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
5. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens
6. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
7. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
8. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens
9. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens
10. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens
11. Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
12. Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
13. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens
14. Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens
15. Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens
16. Canon RF 1.4x Extender
17. Canon RF 2x Extender

^* Disclaimer: photographers have greatly varying needs, and therefore, the priority number for each of us may vary greatly, and my numbers may have little meaning for you.

The easy answer to the "Which RF lenses should I upgrade to first?" question is "Replace your most-used lens." All of the RF lenses have advantages over their EF counterparts, and replacing the most-used lens makes a lot of sense, providing the most value.

Also making sense is upgrading to an RF lens that has a desired capability, such as the image stabilization feature in the RF 24-70, much better image quality such as found in the RF 50 L or RF 85 L, or a super-telephoto length at an affordable price.

Why The Above Order?

The trinity of professional-grade f/2.8 L lenses are listed first, and they are listed in order of use frequency for many photographers. These are the lenses this site's audience considers most important overall.

I dropped the RF 100-500 into the 4th slot on this list. This focal length range is extremely useful, includes very long focal lengths, and has professional-grade build and optics without reaching an extreme price level.

For some, the RF 24-105 f/4 L could have a top position on this list. This lens is great for travel and has great general purpose utility. The professional-grade 24-105 L is less expensive and lighter than the RF 24-70 f/2.8 L.

Bring in the primes. The RF 50 L is the 50mm full-frame lens that many of us have long awaited. It is the first Canon 50mm lens I've personally purchased in (probably) over a decade. Both RF 85 f/1.2 models are phenomenal portrait lenses, and people are the most important photo subject. With stock photos unavailable for most people, portrait photography remains a revenue-generating pursuit. The RF 85 f/2 IS promises solid performance at a lower price, and this lens's close-focusing capabilities will be very welcomed in a kit.

The RF 35 is small, light, bright, close-focusing, inexpensive, and fun. Just get one.

An f/11 fixed aperture lens? Sounds like a crazy idea to many of us. However, getting these extreme focal lengths into the size, weight, and price point Canon achieved is remarkable. The image quality is not bad, especially from the lower resolution imaging sensors.

Having an f/2 aperture available over an entire general-purpose focal length range is awesome. The RF 28-70 is large, heavy, and expensive, but for the niche that needs this lens' advantages (think wedding and event photographers), this lens is priceless.

There are times when only a single lens can be chosen for multi-purpose needs. The RF 24-240mm lens's 10x zoom range covers those needs much of the time.

When small, light, and inexpensive are critical lens attributes, the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 raises its hand to fill the need.

I listed the RF extenders last. At this time, only the RF 100-500, RF 600, and RF 800 are compatible with the RF extenders. The cost of the extenders is approaching the cost of these two low-priced prime lenses that already have very long focal lengths, and the narrow max apertures of these lenses reduces the benefits an extender can provide. Using the 1.4x on the not-yet-available RF 100-500 is going to make a lot of sense, but I'm less sure about the 2x. I expect the extenders to have significantly greater value when high-end RF telephoto prime L lenses become available.

I plan to migrate all of my Canon lenses from EF to RF where similar models exist (except for those required for testing purposes). If your budget enables upgrading, I recommend doing so.

What is your RF lens plan?

Canon EOS R5 Review

Canon EOS R6 Review

Should I Get the Canon EOS R5, EOS R6, or EOS R? An Extensive Comparison

I have not been this excited about a camera in a long time — two R5 bodies are now part of my kit. It will now be hard to go back to a DSLR.

Please share!

 
Get in line for the Canon EOS R5:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Preorder the Canon EOS R6:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Rent the Canon EOS R5 from Lensrentals.

Rent the Canon EOS R6 from Lensrentals.

This is an interesting lens from numerous perspectives, but focal length per dollar (euro, pound, etc.) is one, and focal length per lb (kg) is another. Here is a comparison with Canon's other 600mm lens, both set to their widest apertures:

Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens vs. EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens

At f/11, the RF 600 is already being impacted by the softening effects of diffraction. Another interesting comparison is between the same two lenses at f/11.

Canon RF 600mm vs. EF 600mm f/4L IS III Lens at f/11

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

This is a top-selling lens. Our review of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens was interrupted by the new Canon gear arrival, but the test results are very helpful in telling this lens's story.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens vs. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens vs. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens vs. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

These cameras are very impressive performers. The sample image included in this post shows the eye-tracking AF point following the galloping horse rider near the edge of the frame during a 20 fps capture.

Resolution test results have been added to the Canon EOS R6 Review page.

These cameras are very sharp — I think you will like these results.

The R5 and R6 results were processed using Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) and the same low contrast, low sharpness settings (Neutral Picture Style, Sharpness = 1) as all of the other Canon camera test results included in the comparison tool. Use these results to compare the camera's resolution and sharpness to any other camera tested with the same lens using the same aperture setting (use f/5.6). I'll get your comparisons started:

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS 5Ds R

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS 5Ds

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R6

Canon EOS R6 vs. Canon EOS R

Canon EOS R6 vs. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Canon EOS R6 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R5:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R6:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

This coneflower image is a 100% crop from near the center of the frame. This tripod-captured image's settings were 1/100 sec., ISO 100, and you know the aperture. The RAW image was processed with sharpness set to "2" (0-10 scale).

As with the 800mm crop just shared, this result exceeds my expectation. Add slightly more sharpening (try it yourself — copy and paste this image into your image processing software) and the result is especially sharp.

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H and Amazon USA.

Sorry folks, that answer is "No."

With some of Canon's EF lenses specified as not EF extender compatible, such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L, the rear element moved far enough forward to provide clearance for the extender to fit, and these combinations worked fine (as long as the impact was avoided). The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens came with the minimum RF extender compatible focal length specified (300mm), showing Canon now taking advantage of the partial range of rear element clearance.

All of Canon's EF 70-200mm lenses are compatible with EF extenders, but the RF 70-200 was not on the RF extender compatibility list. The question on many of our minds was if the RF 70-200mm lens would indeed be compatible, at least at the long end, despite being omitted from the list.

I've tried twice (just to be absolutely sure) to mount an RF extender to the RF 70-200 at 200mm, the focal length with the most rear element clearance. The RF extender does not fit into the back of this lens.

Another great idea was to mount an RF extender to the back of a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. The idea is that all EF lenses suddenly become extender compatible. Sorry, but this answer is also "No." The RF extender does not fit into the mount adapter.

That said, the baffle physically preventing this installation appears to be plastic, and plastic is easily modifiable. I can't spare an adapter for this mod right now, but if you have a donor adapter you want me to try modifying, let me know.

Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 1.4x Extender
Canon RF 2x Extender
Battery Grip BG-R10

My first impression is that these super-telephoto lenses are amazingly compact and light.

Again, please feel free to ask questions — I can't promise to get to every one, but will attempt to answer many.

Also again, this photo was created using the Canon EOS R and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens combination.

Canon EOS R5 Dynamic Range Comparison with 5Ds R

In that 2-stop-overexposed comparison, the R5's dynamic range is clearly superior (keep in mind that the brightest color value is below RGB 255,255,255 in the base exposure).

As expected, the +3 EV comparison more clearly shows the R5's improved performance.

Learn more about the Canon EOS R5.

To obtain the best-available buffer capabilities, the EOS R5 and R6 were configured to manual mode (no AE time lag) using ISO 100, a 1/8000 shutter speed (no waiting for the shutter operation), a wide open aperture (no time lost due to aperture blades closing), and manual focus (no focus lock delay). The lens cap remained on (insuring a black image with the smallest file size), the battery was near full charge, and freshly-formatted fast memory cards were used.

The ProGrade Digital 325GB CFexpress 2.0 Cobalt Memory Card and a ProGrade Digital 64GB 200 MB/s UHS-II V60 Memory Cards were used for this testing.

Here are the results for the R5:

Even at 20 fps, the R5 can capture an impressive over 7 seconds of action when using the CFexpress card, and the 5.5 seconds of 20 fps capture with an SD card is still very good. The penalty for recording to two cards simultaneously is minor at 20 fps, but more significant when capturing at 12 fps. That said, the need to record at 12 fps for longer than the 9 seconds provided by the SD card is reaching a niche level.

Here are the results for the R6:

Yes, ADHD kicked in after capturing a crazy-high 1,900 images in the 12 fps R6 test. The camera would likely continue at that frame rate until the cards were filled, achieving a number of images adequate for everyone. Even at 20 fps, the R6 can capture 9 seconds of action when using this SD card. The penalty for recording to two cards simultaneously at 20 fps is minor.

The numbers in the table above are excellent, adequate for most professional purposes. Switch to CRAW, JPG, or HEIF image formats, and the numbers go far higher (if possible).

Speed matters when selecting a memory card, and a memory card upgrade can be a low cost method of improving camera performance. These buffer capacities should be considered best-possible for the referenced cards, and your in-the-field results will likely vary.

The R5 and R6 clear the buffer quickly, and memory cards format almost instantly, both important aspects for camera selection.

That said, the final output size is what matters in the real world. To make the Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R6 comparison relevant, the R5 image (oversampled in this case) must be reduced to 20 MP. An R5 image can be very simply downsized to R6 image dimensions, and then the R5 noise levels appear at least as good the R6 noise levels. DPP was used for downsizing the R5 images in that example.

In this comparison, Photoshop's Image Size method (using the default auto setting) was used for resizing. In this case, the R5 results are sharper than the R6 results, with noise becoming very slightly more apparent from the sharpening.

Noise levels do not appear to be a good differentiator between these cameras — noise levels at high ISO setting are not a good reason to buy the R6 over the R5.

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS R6 Review page.

Create the comparisons relevant to you.

These reviews are a work in progress, being updated as I go. Commentary regarding noise performance is now included.

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R5:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R6:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

While these mount adapters can be found, such as on eBay, most are selling at a premium price. Alternatives include getting the drop-in adapter (remember that a clear fitler is optically required if no effects filter is installed) or a Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera.

Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Learn more about the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.